DEFUNIAK SPRINGS — Starting Jan. 1, those frequenting Eagle Springs Golf Course will see higher fees.
On Tuesday, the Walton County Commission voted 3-1 to increase fees across the board at the course to help prevent significant financial losses in the next calendar year. Commissioner Tony Anderson abstained from voting because of a conflict of interest.
“We are not trying to go up substantially, we are trying to keep our head above water and go in the right direction,” Commissioner Dan Curry said. “Non-county residents, we think, should pay a little more.”
According to county meeting documents, Eagle Springs Golf Course earned $1,012,712 last year and had total expenses of $1,493,621—a $480,908 loss. With the changes, the facility is expected to see anticipated revenue of $1,322,000 with an estimated $1,460,190 in expenses in 2025.
Proposed greens fees
For those using carts, the course currently charges county residents $35 for 18 holes and $20 for nine holes on weekdays, with non-residents paying the same rates. The changes increase the rates to $45 for 18 holes and $25 for nine holes for county residents. Non-county residents will see their rates rise to $52 for 18 holes and $30 for nine holes.
On weekends and holidays, county residents currently pay $45 for 18 holes and $20 for 9 holes, while non-residents pay $45 for 18 holes and $25 for 9 holes. The new rates will be $52 for 18 holes and $25 for nine holes for county residents, while non-residents will pay $60 for 18 holes and $35 for nine holes.
For walking rates, county residents are currently charged $21 for 18 holes and $15 for nine holes on weekdays. Non-residents pay the same fees. These rates will rise to $30 for 18 holes and $20 for nine holes for county residents. Non-residents will pay $35 for 18 holes and $25 for nine holes.
On weekends and holidays, walking rates for county residents will from $31 for 18 holes and $18 for nine holes to $35 and $25, respectively. Non-county residents will pay $40 for 18 holes and $30 for nine holes.
Other changes include a rise in range ball prices from $5 to $7, and an increase in pool fees from $5 to $8.
Membership rate changes and other fees
Membership fees are also set to increase. Silver Memberships for county residents will rise from $50 to $65 for a single and from $60 to $90 for a family. Non-resident Silver Membership fees will increase from $100 to $125 for a single and from $110 to $165 for a family.
Gold Memberships for county residents will rise from $140 to $180 for a single and from $160 to $225 for a family. Non-resident Gold Memberships will increase from $280 to $300 for a single and from $300 to $330 for a family.
Cart fees for 18 holes will increase from $14 to $16, and for nine holes from $7 to $8. Private cart memberships will rise from $120 to $175 and tournament fees will go from $35 to $50.
This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Eagle Springs Golf Course fees will rise starting Jan. 1